The Class-makers> Among the top players
the Miners signed are Conroe DE Kyle Brown,
Humble WR Darius Tubbs and North Garland
WR Anthony McGhee. Brown received interest
from Texas and Kansas State before committing
to UTEP. At 6-3 and 256 pounds, he has good
size for a high school senior. QB Javia Hall of
Dallas Skyline had committed to UNTbut
switched to UTEPonly two weeks before
Signing Day.

Photo by J.D. Bryant

Biggest Holes to Fill> With the loss of 23 seniors, including four DBs, UTEP needs depth at
nearly every possession. The Miners really need to
focus on the offensive and defensive lines.

Instant-impact Targets> UTEP has its eyes on
DT Marcus Bagley (pictured) of Mesquite. At 6-2
and 305 pounds, he already has college size. LB
DeAndre Little of Sierra Vista, Ariz., is one of
UTEP’s top recruits. He runs the 40 in 4. 5 seconds. On the defensive line, DE Tajh Fite of Dallas
Bryan Adams has potential despite weighing 225.

Early Enrollee Possibilities> Travaun Nixon.

Top Sleeper> Mesquite’s Davian Harper ( 6-3,

’09 Class Impact Players

Of the 21 players UTEP introduced last February, wide
receiver/returner Marlon McClure of Tenaha, a member
of the All-Conference USA freshman team, had the
biggest impact. He was recognized for returning kicks
for an average of 23. 7 yards. Linebacker Brandon
Miller, a transfer from Bakersfield (Calif.) Junior
College, ranked 13th on defense with 29 tackles.
Defensive back Richard Spencer (Moreno Valley, Calif.)
was arguably the team’s top recruit in 2009, and he
played in nine games and made 11 tackles.

200) completed 121 of 222 passes for 1,313 yards
and five touchdowns. His size and athleticism
should be assets at the WR position.

One That Got Away> Several schools showed
interest in running back Ja’Terian Douglas —
including Texas Tech, Baylor and UTEP — but
the senior from Arlington Lamar chose Tulsa.

Summary> Among the 27 recruits who have
signed with UTEP, the Miners have found
nuggets on both sides of the football. The most
pressing problem — stopping opposing running
attacks — has been addressed.

Who Will Impact In ’ 10?

Price puts a premium on transfers, and linebacker Justin
Hickman of the College of DuPage (Ill.) provided a
spark in his first year with 12 tackles in five games, and
could play a bigger role in 2010. Quarterback Andy
McCloud, from The Woodlands, redshirted in 2009 and
will be in the mix for the backup position. Tackle
Brander Craighead (Ottawa, Ontario) and defensive
back Richard Spencer (Moreno Valley, Calif.) also
worked their way onto the two-deep roster and could
contribute more as sophomores.